Photoelectrochemical CO2 Capture With Coupled Membrane Reactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon dioxide capture and conversion technologies are energy-intensive, costly, and lack financial incentives, with a focus on pure CO2 streams rather than mixed CO2 and O2 ratios, and there is a need for a standalone device that can efficiently capture and convert CO2 from ambient air.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectrochemical device using an anion exchange membrane and bipolar membrane to capture CO2 from ambient air and convert it into organic products, utilizing renewable energy and bias-free currents, with reactors connected to facilitate CO2 transfer and conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional carbon dioxide capture and conversion technologies are used, then CO2 can be captured and converted, but the process is energy-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 capture and conversion functions into a single integrated photoelectrochemical device. The capture reactor and conversion reactor are coupled such that CO2 captured in the first reactor is directly fed to the second reactor for conversion, eliminating the need for separate capture and conversion processes and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The photoelectrochemical device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it captures CO2 from ambient air, concentrates it, and converts it to organic products all within one system. The photoelectrochemical cell serves both as a capture mechanism and as a conversion mechanism, reducing the need for multiple separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional CO2 capture technologies focus on pure CO2 streams, then capture efficiency is high, but they cannot handle mixed CO2 and O2 ratios from ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different reactor configurations optimized for specific functions: the capture reactor is designed with conditions optimal for CO2 capture from mixed gases, while the conversion reactor is optimized for converting CO2 to products. This localized optimization allows the system to handle ambient air effectively while maintaining high overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into two distinct reactors: a capture reactor that handles the mixed CO2 and O2 from ambient air, and a conversion reactor that processes the captured CO2. This segmentation allows each reactor to be optimized for its specific function, with the capture reactor dealing with the complexity of mixed gases and the conversion reactor focusing on product formation.
3Ease of operation
If existing technologies require external energy sources for CO2 transfer, then conversion can proceed, but the device lacks standalone capability
Solution Approach 1:
The photoelectrochemical device is self-powered through photoelectrochemical reactions. Light energy drives the capture of CO2 in the first reactor and its conversion in the second reactor without requiring external energy input. The system generates its own driving force through the photoelectrochemical processes, making it a truly standalone device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes periodic photoelectrochemical cycles where light absorption drives alternating capture and conversion phases. The photoelectrochemical reactions occur in a cyclic manner, with the system naturally oscillating between capture and conversion modes based on light availability, eliminating the need for continuous external energy input.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device efficiently captures and converts CO2 from ambient air into organic products, reducing energy consumption and costs, and provides a standalone, scalable solution for CO2 utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The first reactor comprises an anion exchange membrane (AEM) placed between a porous (photo)anode and a porous (photo)cathode
Implementation Method 2
The second reactor comprises a bipolar membrane (BPM) placed between a porous (photo)anode and a porous cathode, wherein the (photo)anode contains or is connected physically or electrically to an oxygen evolution catalyst, and the cathode contains or is connected physically or electrically to a carbon dioxide reduction catalyst
Implementation Method 3
Photoelectrochemical device for the capture and conversion of atmospheric carbon dioxide
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide capture and conversion device comprising: (A) a first reactor comprising an anion exchange membrane placed between a porous anode and porous cathode, wherein the anode contains or is connected physically or electrically to oxygen evolution and/or carbon dioxide evolution catalyst(s), and the cathode contains or is connected physically or electrically to an oxygen reduction catalyst; (B) a second reactor comprising a bipolar membrane placed between a porous anode and porous cathode, wherein the anode contains or is connected physically or electrically to an oxygen evolution catalyst, and the cathode contains or is connected physically or electrically to a carbon dioxide reduction catalyst; wherein the porous cathode of the first reactor has at least a fluid inlet able to carry carbon dioxide, air and water, possibly with dissolved species, and the porous anode of the first reactor has at least a fluid inlet able to carry water, possibly with dissolved species, and oxygen, the porous cathode of the second reactor has at least a fluid outlet able to carry organic reaction products resulting from carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), and the porous anode of the second reactor has at least a fluid outlet able to carry water and oxygen, wherein the carbon dioxide capture device is configured to transfer fluid exiting the porous cathode of the first reactor to the porous anode of the second reactor, and to transfer fluid exiting the porous anode of the first reactor to the porous cathode of the second reactor.